AC Suction Service Port

Hello. I am working on converting my R12 to 134-a... Wasn't an AC car before. 71' Valiant 360. Everything is installed except hoses which I just got. Cut off old hose and got Beadlock fittings for new hose. High side should be OK. although I burned a hole in the tube trying to un-sweat the old crimp fitting. (not cool). The suction side has a monster original crimp that when I tried to un-sweat actually melted the pipe in two. (also not cool). Took forever to find the correct hoses and I thought I was being very careful. I can braze the pipe back together but I have a couple questions...
1. Why were the original crimp fittings brazed to the tubing, and do I need to braze the new fittings?
2. My suction hose has a service port up by the temp tube hole, but there is nothing in it. When i blow through the tube it blows right out through there. Is that suppose to be a Schrader Valve?

Thanks